Many people believe that when living or working abroad, they will no longer have the opportunity to participate in social insurance (SI) in Vietnam. However, according to the 2024 Social Insurance Law, Vietnamese citizens aged 15 and over who are not subject to compulsory SI can still participate in voluntary SI, even when residing abroad.
Participating in voluntary social insurance helps employees accumulate contribution time to receive pensions and social security benefits according to regulations when they meet the conditions.
Regarding the contribution level, participants contribute 22% of the monthly income level they choose. The minimum income level used as a basis for contribution is currently 1.5 million VND/month, corresponding to the rural poor household standard. The maximum level is 20 times the reference level. Currently, this level is equivalent to 46.8 million VND/month and will increase to 50.6 million VND/month from July 1, 2026.
People can now register to participate in voluntary social insurance completely online through the Vietnam Social Insurance Public Service Portal or the National Public Service Portal without having to go directly to the social insurance agency.
After logging into the system, participants only need to declare information according to the electronic form, choose the income level as a basis for payment, payment method and form of receiving the social insurance book. The system will automatically check information, calculate the amount to be paid and guide completion of procedures.
The implementation of online registration helps Vietnamese people living, studying and working abroad easily participate in voluntary social insurance, maintain the process of paying social insurance and ensure long-term social security benefits without being affected by geographical distance.
